The 7 Best Self-Watering Planters For Busy Plant Lovers

Last Updated August 20, 2021 By Bella Zinti

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best overall
Phoenix Vine 8 Inch Self Watering Planter Pot thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Available in a set with different sizes for versatile use
  • Made of high-quality materials 
  • The design of the pot is modern and stylish
most budget friendly
Room Essentials Self-Watering Planter thumbnail

4.7/5

  • Easy to use
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Affordable price point
best value
GARDENIX DECOR Self Watering Pots For Indoor Plants thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Easy to set up new plants and easy to take care of plants
  • Affordable price point
  • Comes with all-natural coco soil
best for herbs
Click & Grow Smart Garden System thumbnail

4.8/5

  • Simple to set it up
  • This system includes a self-watering feature and grows light
  • You can grow from over 75 varieties of herbs, flowers, leafy greens, and more

Even seasoned gardeners can inadvertently harm their plants by either overwatering or underwatering them. But there's an easy solution to keep your plants healthy— even if you don't have a green thumb.

Self-watering planters make at-home gardening hassle-free by reducing watering frequency and providing your plants with just the right amount of water. Not only do they make plant care less of a chore, but they also keep your plants lush and green without daily watering.

So, to help you keep your plants looking their best, we've rounded up the best self-watering planters and some helpful information to know before you shop.

How Do Self-Watering Planters And Pots Work?

Before you begin shopping for self-watering planters, you'll want to understand how self-watering planters work and if they're the right choice for your plants. Unlike a standard planter, a self-watering container is designed with an internal irrigation system that allows soil and plant roots to soak up water without getting soggy. This typically consists of a water reservoir, drainage hole, and wicking capabilities to keep the soil at an optimal moisture level for plant growth.

While self-watering planters are great for herbs, veggies, flowers, and leafy plants, they aren't the best choice for low-water plants like cacti and succulents that rot easily with overwatering. Most will need to have their water reservoir refilled every one to two weeks, though watering frequency varies from plant to plant.

What to Consider When Shopping For Self-Watering Planters

Size and Capacity

Take into account the size and type of plants you plan to cultivate. Certain self-watering planters are more suitable for larger plants or accommodating multiple smaller plants, while others excel with compact or hanging plant varieties. It's important to match the planter size with the specific needs of your chosen plant. Ensure it has adequate space for the plant's root system to thrive. Additionally, choose a planter with an appropriate water reservoir size to provide consistent moisture for your specific plant.

Material

Self-watering planters come in various materials, each with its own advantages. Plastic planters combine lightweight construction with durability, making them a prime choice for outdoor applications. Ceramic or clay planters offer a more decorative and natural look but can be heavier and more susceptible to breakage. Wooden planters are attractive but require more maintenance to prevent rot.

Materials for outdoor planters vary widely, with popular options including weather-resistant materials like fiberglass, resin, and cedar for their durability and ability to withstand the elements. Choosing the right material for your outdoor planters is crucial to ensure they complement your outdoor space and provide longevity and protection for your plants.

Watering System

Self-watering planters utilize different watering systems. Some use wicks, while others employ a wicking mat or a water reservoir with a water-level indicator. Choose a system that best suits your plant's watering needs. Wicking systems are excellent for most plants, while larger plants might benefit from a mat-based system.

Water-Level Indicator

A self-watering planter with a built-in water-level indicator is a valuable feature. This indicator allows you to easily monitor the water level, preventing overwatering or underwatering, which is crucial for plant health.

Drainage

Even in self-watering planters, ensuring proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, protect the plant's roots, and ultimately prevent root rot. When selecting planters, particularly for outdoor use, opt for models incorporating a drainage hole or tray to collect excess water effectively.

Plant Health

Check if the planter promotes proper air circulation. Adequate aeration prevents soil compaction and ensures oxygen reaches the roots.

Design and Aesthetics

Consider the planter's design, color, and style. Select a self-watering planter that harmonizes with your home or garden aesthetics. These planters offer a diverse range of designs and colors, ensuring you can find one that aligns with your personal taste.

Ease of Use

Evaluate how easy it is to refill the water reservoir. Some self-watering planters feature a removable top, making accessing the water compartment convenient without disturbing the plant.

Mobility

If you anticipate moving your planter frequently, look for models with wheels or built-in handles. These features make it easier to reposition your plants as needed.

Price

Determine your budget for a self-watering planter. While it's essential to find one within your price range, also consider the value it offers in terms of features, quality, and longevity.

UV Resistance

If you plan to place the planter in direct sunlight, check if it is UV-resistant. UV-resistant materials will help prevent fading and damage due to sun exposure.

The 7 Best Self-Watering Planters

Phoenix Vine 8 Inch Self Watering Planter Pot

Best Overall

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Phoenix Vine 8 Inch Self Watering Planter Pot

Image Source: Amazon

The Phoenix Vine Self Watering Planter Pot seamlessly blends style and functionality, rendering it an excellent option for plant enthusiasts. Whether you possess ample gardening experience or are new to plant care, this planter streamlines the process while ensuring your plants stay consistently well-hydrated.

Crafted from durable terracotta, it effortlessly harmonizes aesthetics and utility, rendering it appropriate for both indoor and outdoor environments. The efficient self-watering reservoir system ensures a consistent water supply to your plants, reducing the need for daily maintenance—a boon for those with busy schedules or frequent travel. While compact in size, it accommodates smaller plants and herbs effectively. However, a larger option may be more suitable for larger plants due to its limited capacity.

Setting up the self-watering system is simple, ensuring user-friendliness that caters to individuals of all skill levels. Considering its quality, efficiency, and affordability, this self-watering planter offers excellent value.

Size

4, 6, 8 and 10 inch

Material

Terracotta and glass

Weight

1 pound

What We Like

  • Available in a set with different sizes for versatile use
  • Made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting
  • The design of the pot is modern and stylish

What We Don't Like

  • The glass vase can be fragile and requires careful handling
  • The price may be slightly higher end

Room Essentials Self-Watering Planter

Most Budget Friendly

overall 

4.7/5

Price

$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Room Essentials Self-Watering Planter

Image Source: Target

Room Essentials Self-Watering Planter is a budget-friendly choice and an attractive option for cost-conscious plant enthusiasts. Its most noteworthy attribute is its cost-effectiveness, extending accessibility to a broad spectrum of consumers.

The self-watering system ensures consistent plant hydration, reducing the need for frequent manual watering—an advantageous feature for those with busy schedules or a tendency to forget regular plant care. Available in four different sizes, it capably accommodates any size plant, aligning its functionality with its budget-friendly price point.

Setting up this self-watering mechanism is a breeze, catering to both beginners and experienced gardeners. In terms of value, this budget-friendly self-watering planter effectively balances quality and affordability, making it a practical choice for those seeking an economical solution to plant care. If you're looking to maintain healthy, hydrated plants without breaking the bank, this planter is worth considering.

Size

4, 8, 12, 16, 20 inch

Material

Plastic

Weight

.4 pounds

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Affordable price point

What We Don't Like

  • Made of plastic, which may not be suitable for growing edible plants
  • Can't see how much water is in the reservoir
  • No Drainage holes

GARDENIX DECOR Self Watering Pots for Indoor Plants

Best Value

overall 

4.5/5

Price

$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

GARDENIX DECOR Self Watering Pots For Indoor Plants

Image Source: Amazon

This self-watering planter tailored for house plants provides a practical solution for those looking to simplify the process of maintaining indoor greenery. Its indoor-friendly design, efficient watering system, and user-friendliness make it a suitable choice for anyone seeking to nurture healthy indoor plants easily.

Its indoor-friendly design seamlessly blends with interior decor, providing an ideal environment for house plants to flourish. The efficient self-watering system keeps the soil moist for plants, reducing the need for frequent manual watering and preventing overwatering, a common concern for indoor gardening. With a size suitable for accommodating various house plants, from small herbs to medium-sized houseplants, it strikes a balance between capacity and space-saving.

Unlike other self-watering planters, GARDENIX DECOR Self-watering Pots feature a water level indicator that removes the guesswork of watering your plants. Featuring drainage holes, it offers superior water retention and drains excess water. This planter is worth considering if you're seeking a practical and hassle-free solution for nurturing your house plants.

Size

5.5 inch

Material

Plastic, Polypropylene

Weight

16 Ounces

What We Like

  • Easy to set up new plants and easy to take care of plants
  • Affordable price point
  • Comes with all-natural coco soil

What We Don't Like

  • Lack of sizing options
  • Even though this pot is made from high-end plastic, it is still made from plastic

Click & Grow Smart Garden System

Best For Herbs

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Click & Grow Smart Garden System

Image Source: Williams Sonoma

In the ever-evolving realm of indoor gardening, Click and Grow's Smart Garden 3 emerges as a shining beacon of innovation and effectiveness. Designed for those who cherish the freshness of home-grown herbs but lack the time or expertise for traditional gardening, this self-watering planter offers a harmonious blend of technology and nature.

The Smart Garden 3 boasts a contemporary, minimalist design that harmonizes effortlessly with any interior decor. Its compact dimensions guarantee a seamless fit on kitchen countertops, windowsills, or office desks. The user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process make it accessible, even for those with limited gardening experience. A standout feature of the Smart Garden 3 is its self-watering system, which guarantees precise watering levels for plants, eliminating the need for guesswork and constant monitoring typically associated with traditional plant care methods. The 40 oz water reservoir is designed to last weeks, not days, reducing the need for constant refills.

Unlike the other self-watering planters, Click and Grow's Smart Garden 3 is equipped with energy-efficient LED grow lights. This feature ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of light, regardless of the prevailing ambient conditions. This proves particularly advantageous in areas with limited natural sunlight or during the winter season. The Smart Garden 3 uses specially designed plant pods, ensuring the plants have the ideal conditions to thrive. These pods contain seeds, smart soil, and all the necessary nutrients, ensuring a high germination rate and healthy growth.

Size

12" x 4 3/4" x 18 1/2" high.

Material

BPA-free plastic construction

Weight

2 lb. 9 oz

What We Like

  • Simple to set it up
  • This system includes a self-watering feature and grows light; it is perfect for anyone who doesn't have a "green thumb."
  • You can grow from over 75 varieties of herbs, flowers, leafy greens, and more

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive price point
  • You need to purchase pods to grow plants

Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits

Best Self-Watering Garden Bed

overall 

4.8/5

Price

$$$$$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits

Image Source: Amazon

In today's era of sustainable living and eco-conscious gardening, the demand for innovative solutions continues to grow. The Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits have emerged as a promising option for those looking to efficiently cultivate their own produce while conserving water and minimizing maintenance efforts.

The Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits feature an elegant, contemporary design that effortlessly blends into any outdoor environment. Constructed from durable materials, the garden bed exudes quality craftsmanship. Its compact size suits smaller spaces like balconies or urban gardens, making it accessible to many garden enthusiasts. A standout characteristic of the Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits is their built-in self-watering system. Equipped with a reservoir that holds an ample amount of water, this garden bed provides a consistent and efficient water supply to your plants. The capillary matting system guarantees plants receive the appropriate amount of water, minimizing the potential for overwatering or underwatering.

Setting up the Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kits is straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The included components fit together well, and no specialized tools are required. Maintenance is minimal, thanks to the self-watering system, which reduces manual watering frequency. However, occasional reservoir cleaning may be necessary to prevent algae buildup. While it comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to conventional garden beds, its effectiveness and long-term advantages make it a worthwhile investment. The savings in water usage and reduced maintenance time make it a cost-effective choice for serious gardeners.

Size

17" H x 13.5" D

Material

Durable PP5 plastic

Weight

33 pounds

What We Like

  • It is super easy to set up
  • Very well made and sturdy
  • Stylish design and available in four different colors

What We Don't Like

  • It can consider pricey for some

Lechuza Nido Cottage 35 Self-Watering Planter

Best Hanging Self-Watering Planter

overall 

4.7/5

Price

$$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Lechuza Nido Cottage 35 Self-Watering Planter

Image Source: Amazon

The Lechuza Cottage Hanging Self-Watering Planter combines a sophisticated design with efficient functionality to cater to the needs of plant enthusiasts. The combination of its self-watering system, ease of assembly, and suitability for various hanging plants renders it a practical option for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The Lechuza Cottage Hanging Self-Watering Planter features a modern and refined design that seamlessly harmonizes with a wide range of outdoor and indoor settings. Crafted from durable materials, its graphite finish adds a touch of sophistication. The planter's size and shape are well-suited for various hanging plants, making it a versatile choice for greenery enthusiasts. At the heart of this planter's functionality lies its self-watering system, which sets it apart from traditional hanging planters. The built-in reservoir holds an adequate water supply, and the capillary wick efficiently delivers moisture to the plant's roots as needed. This functionality lessens the necessity for frequent manual watering and mitigates the potential for overwatering or underwatering.

Setting up the Lechuza Cottage Hanging Self-Watering Planter is a straightforward process, with detailed instructions included. The components fit together seamlessly, requiring no specialized tools. Maintenance is relatively low, thanks to the self-watering system. However, occasional cleaning and refilling of the reservoir are necessary to ensure optimal plant health. While this self-watering planter represents a moderate investment compared to standard hanging planters, its long-term benefits and innovative features make it a valuable addition to any gardener's collection. The savings in time and water usage and the enhanced plant health justify its price point.

Size

13.78" D x 13.78" W x 9.06" H

Material

Stainless Steel, Polypropylene

Weight

2 Kilograms

What We Like

  • The self-watering pot features a water-level indicator
  • Made of durable frost and UV-resistant PP plastic
  • Available in four different colors and three sizes

What We Don't Like

  • It is expensive compared to some of the other self-watering planters

Self-Watering Planter & Propagation Station

Best Self Water Planter With Propagation

overall 

5/5

Price

$$

Material Quality

Sturdiness

Ease of Use

Self-Watering Planter & Propagation Station

Image Source: Uncommon Goods

The Self-Watering Planter with Propagation Station offers a well-balanced combination of form and function. Its self-watering system and propagation capabilities make it a versatile choice for plant enthusiasts looking to simplify their gardening routine and foster new plant life. Crafted with glass, ceramic, and terra cotta with a focus on helping house plants thrive while growing a new one from the mother plant. The planter's size and layout accommodate a variety of plants, while the propagation station provides an ideal space for nurturing new growth.

At the core of this product's functionality is its self-watering system. The integrated reservoir efficiently holds water, and the capillary wick ensures plants receive moisture as needed. This feature minimizes the need for frequent manual watering, providing a consistent water supply to plants. Additionally, the propagation station allows for the successful development of new plants, making it a versatile tool for gardeners.

Setting up the Self-Watering Planter with Propagation Station is a straightforward process, thanks to comprehensive instructions. The components fit together seamlessly, and no specialized tools are required. Maintenance is relatively low, primarily consisting of occasional cleaning and refilling of the reservoir. However, including propagation features does add an extra layer of responsibility for those seeking to grow new plants.

Size

7.7" L x 5.3" W x 6" H

Material

Glass, ceramic, terra cotta

Weight

N/A

What We Like

  • Stylish and cute design
  • Made from high-quality material
  • Aside from being a self-watering pot, it also helps propagate

What We Don't Like

  • It is expensive compared to some of the other self-watering pot

How We Picked

In curating this collection of the best self-watering planters, we undertook a comprehensive evaluation procedure. We rigorously assessed their practical performance by scrutinizing customer feedback across diverse retail platforms and conducting hands-on testing of these self-watering planters. Our primary emphasis was directed towards evaluating their materials, size, design, water-holding capacity, and overall value.


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About the author

Bella has a Bachelors degree in interior design, is a master gardener. She designs nourishing outdoor & indoor spaces guided by the practice of Feng Shui.